Jessie Croteau

Political Theory at Johns Hopkins University 

PhD Candidate in the Department of Political Science 

make an appointment: https://cal.com/jcroteau

Environmental Design Collective 

Coordinator and curator for the Environmental Design Collective, a non-profit project founded by educational institutions and community organizations in Baltimore city.

APSA


Co-Council for the Environmental Politics and Theory Related Group 

Winner of the Western Political Science Association William E. Connolly Award, 2024

This annual award is for the best political theory paper in contemporary democratic thought, whether recognizing daring and innovative work by a young scholar or a bold new line of inquiry by an established scholar. It is named after William E. Connolly, world renowned political theorist, revered teacher and mentor, and long-time WPSA member.


Research

The environmental movement often calls for us to sustain, conserve, and preserve. While continuation and protection are certainly important,  I argue that deterioration is not inherently negative and that durability can sometimes be dangerous.

The overall project takes seriously the sorrows of death, destruction, and decay while nevertheless insisting there are also positive possibilities to be found within decline. 

My exploration takes shape as an eco-philosophy and ethics focusing on affirmative modes of decline to envision better worlds.